Continuous Friction Measurement Device
The NAC-Dynamic Friction Tester (NAC-DFT™) is an aerodynamic tow-behind continuous friction measurement device (CFME), actively in use testing airport runways and bridges around the world.
The NAC-DFT™ has already been approved by the FAA and complies with ASTM E2340 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Skid Resistance of Pavement. It creates and measures the frictional force between an ASTM E1551 test tire operated at a 12% slip while towed across the runway surface
Friction is key to safety!
Regular measurement of runway friction is essential to safety. The FAA Advisory Circular on runway friction states:
Regardless of pavement type or surface treatment, runway friction characteristics will change over time depending on type and frequency of aircraft activity, weather, environmental issues, and other factors. In addition to ordinary mechanical wear and tear from aircraft tires, contaminants can collect on runway pavement surfaces to decrease their friction properties. Contaminants such as rubber deposits, dust particles, jet fuel, oil spillage, water, snow, ice, and slush all cause friction loss on runway pavement surfaces. Rubber deposits occur in the touchdown areas on runways and can be quite extensive. Heavy rubber deposits can completely cover the pavement surface texture thereby causing loss of aircraft braking capability and directional control when runways are wet.
As to the frequency of testing, the FAA advises: "Every runway for jet aircraft should be evaluated at least once each year. Depending on the volume and type (weight) of traffic on the runways, evaluations will be needed more frequently, with the most heavily used runways needing evaluation as often as weekly, as rubber deposits build up."
Features
- State-of-the-art precision engineering
- Leader in reliability and environmental friendliness
- Built-to-last design dramatically reduces maintenance and operating expense